ChurchSafety

When church ministers, staff or volunteers suffer stress on the job, the entire ministry can be thrown off balance. By understanding stress and learning how to respond positively to pressure, you can reduce the negative effects of stress and keep your sanity, too. Get started with our simple tips for managing stress.

Under pressure. Understand the difference between stress and pressure. Pressure from a deadline or approaching task can be motivating. Stress is our negative reaction to pressure or similar demands on our time.

Clear the clutter. Clutter is anything that distracts you. It can occur from too much on your schedule, too much paperwork, or from outside events that mentally take you away you're your task at hand.

Mission Impossible. You can't please everyone. Set realistic goals for yourself and keep in mind that you can't control what others think, but you can control how you react.

Stop the cycle. Unrelenting stress can lead to staff burn-out and turn-over. The result can be devastating to those left behind to pick up the pieces. React to the first signs of burn-out to prevent it from escalating out of control.

Give permission to fail. Give your staff—and yourself—permission to fail. This will empower subordinates to take on more duties and release some pressure you may be putting on yourself as well.

Reward yourself. Rewards can serve to reduce stress and replenish positive energy. Whether it's listening to music, an hour of reading or just quiet time be sure to fit reward time into your schedule.

Take a hike. A simple walk outdoors can refresh and re-energize. You often gain more in productivity after the break than if you hadn't left at all.

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